The history of WWE is brimming with Superstars whose contributions have been integral to the company's success and longevity.

From the golden years of the World Wide Wrestling Federation to Hulkamania, the Attitude Era to Ruthless Aggression and beyond, WWE has featured the top stars in professional wrestling history in some of the most unforgettable matches and moments.

But which of the thousands of names to have walked through the company over the last six decades have stood out from the pack and are the 50 greatest in the history of WWE?

The B/R Wrestling staff have combined to compile a list of the best to ever set foot inside a WWE ring.

Here is a rundown of our panel of voters:

• Chris Mueller (@BR_Doctor)
• Erik Beaston (@ErikBeaston)
• Graham Matthews (@WrestleRant)
• Donald Wood (@RingRustRadio) 
• Kevin Berge (@KevinBerge)
• Eric Ball (@EBall_BR)

We look at those who have left their mark on the preeminent company in sports entertainment, culminating with the coronation of the greatest WWE Superstar of all time.

Last drop: April 3, 2024

What Makes a Top 50 WWE Superstar?

The list of Superstars determined by our panel used the following criteria to compile this countdown of iconic competitors from different eras:

• Historical significance: Did they have a meaningful impact on the history of WWE?
  
• Championships: Were they among the most decorated in company history?
• Popularity: How over was the Superstar with WWE fans?
• Needle-mover: Did they make a meaningful difference in ratings, ticket sales and overall business?
• Time active: Was the Superstar successful over a sustained period or just a flash in the pan?
• Pay-per-view appearances: Were they fixtures on the biggest shows in WWE?
• Skills (in-ring, mic, charisma): Were they more than just a wrestler? Did their skill set stop at the microphone? Were they charismatic?
  

The names on this list were ranked based solely on their accomplishments in WWE.

For example, the majority of Ric Flair's 16 world titles were won away from the company and were not taken into consideration when discussing his feats in this countdown.

50. Big Show

Accomplishments: WWE champion (2), world heavyweight champion (2), ECW champion, intercontinental champion, hardcore champion (3), United States champion, tag team champion (8), Andre the Giant Memorial Trophy (2015)

Arriving in WWE in 1999 after a four-year run with the opposition WCW, Big Show instantly experienced success as a main event competitor, routinely mixing it up with the likes of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker and Kane.

Though he would experience ups and downs, including a demotion to Ohio Valley Wrestling amid concerns about his weight and work ethic, he recovered and enjoyed a career rife with championship victories and memorable moments.

Whether he was playing babyface or heel, he remained a staple of WWE programming. His immense size caught the attention of fans, but his surprising emotional range also saw them invest in his work.

A better worker than many of the giants that preceded him, Big Show was likely underrated by fans at the time, but he should be appreciated for what he accomplished between the ropes.

In particular, a series of matches with Sheamus in 2012 were quite good.

A main eventer in any arena, and one of the more dependable stars of his era, he could work comedy matches on the undercard, brawl with The Undertaker in the main event, or go full-on sports entertainment with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the marquee match at WrestleMania.

His adaptability proved more valuable than even his immense size and earned him a spot on this list.

49. Lita

Accomplishments: WWE women's champion (4), women's tag team champion, Hall of Fame (2014)

There are few performers in any field who can be labeled a trailblazer, but that is the case for Lita.

She bucked the system and emerged as an awe-inspiring performer who could execute every high spot her male counterparts could and doing so with a flair that few fans had seen from a female wrestler.

Not only could she throw caution to the wind and dive off the top rope, but she could also go between the ropes, thanks in large part to a skill set learned in Mexico and shaped by both The Hardy Boyz and Dory Funk Jr.

Her partnership with Matt and Jeff Hardy helped her rise to prominence in the company, and her feud with Trish Stratus defined both of their careers.

As the hip, cool member of Team Extreme, she became one of the most popular stars on the show.

When reports of infidelity off-screen tarnished her reputation in the eyes of fans, she became one of the most despised characters on the show and added to the heel persona of Edge.

Beloved now for all that she contributed to women's wrestling in an era before there were branded revolutions, she set the bar for another generation to eclipse.

48. Vader

Accomplishments: Hall of Fame (2022)

Vader arrived in WWE in 1996 after a lengthy run with WCW where he had accomplished all that there was to do.

After several world titles with that promotion, he took his talents to McMahonland with hopes of replicating that success.

While he may not have done so successfully in terms of championships, he was a legitimate main event talent and world title contender during his three-year run with the promotion.

"It's time! It's time! It's...Vader...time!" echoed through arenas as he entered for battle, with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Sycho Sid, Bret Hart, Jake Roberts and Ahmed Johnson among those who felt the brunt of his unforgiving offense.

SummerSlam 1996 and a shot at Michaels' WWE Championship remains the highlight of his run with the company, a taste of what should have been for the former Colorado Buffalo football player.

Vader did not win the title on that night, an unfortunate victim of backstage politics, but he proved to fans that he belonged in that position.

One of the more celebrated super-heavyweights to lace a pair of boots in WWE, his ferocity between the ropes was matched only by his impressive athleticism, which allowed him to moonsault off the top rope with relative ease.

Vader died in June 2018, but the Hall of Famer's legacy lives on in the likes of "Big" Bronson Reed, another talented big man whose ability to move around the ring is reminiscent of the giant who preceded him.

47. Dean Ambrose

Accomplishments: WWE champion, intercontinental champion (3), United States champion, tag team champion (2), Money in the Bank (2016)

Before he was tearing up the rings of All Elite Wrestling as Jon Moxley, Dean Ambrose took WWE by storm as one-third of The Shield, a trio of Superstars who emerged from the company's developmental territory to become main eventers and world champions.

The Lunatic Fringe struck gold in 2013 by winning the United States Championship from Kofi Kingston and proceeded to hold it for 351 days. From there, he joined teammates Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins to put an end to Evolution (Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista) once and for all.

However, a shocking betrayal by Rollins saw the trio go their separate ways, leading to a stacked resume for each member.

Ambrose held every major title available to him during his run with WWE and was the most organically popular of the Shield teammates.

That sentiment grew even more passionate when he cashed in his guaranteed championship opportunity to defeat Rollins and won the WWE title at Money in the Bank in June 2016.

Creative frustration led to his departure from WWE in 2019, but there is no denying what Ambrose was able to accomplish during his six-year run with the company and the standard he set for the NXT exports who followed in his footsteps.

46. AJ Styles

Accomplishments: WWE champion (2), intercontinental champion, United States champion (3), Raw tag team champion

AJ Styles never should have succeeded in WWE.

He was small, worked a different style than the company preferred and built his star elsewhere. He was the face of TNA Wrestling and then led Bullet Club in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

If there was one wrestler who was decidedly not a "WWE guy," it was The Phenomenal One.

Then, he was.

Styles debuted for the company in 2016 at the Royal Rumble, unforgettably walking through the curtain to a thunderous ovation and wasting little time establishing himself as a top star for his new promotion as he squared off with Roman Reigns.

In the eight-plus years since his debut, Styles has become one of the most popular and respected Superstars on the roster.

Battles with John Cena, Randy Orton, The Undertaker, Seth Rollins and Reigns have solidified his spot among the elite in WWE, while battles with Shinsuke Nakamura, Ricochet, Kofi Kingston and others have enhanced his legacy as one of the most influential in-ring performers of this generation.

A grand-slam champion having won all four of the company's major men's titles, he silenced his critics and proved he could be exactly what he has long claimed to be: The face that runs the place.

45. Asuka

Accomplishments: WWE women's champion (3), NXT women's champion, SmackDown women's champion, women's tag team champion (4), women's Money in the Bank (2020), women's Royal Rumble (2018)

For 914 days, Asuka dominated women's wrestling in NXT and WWE, riding an unbeaten streak that made her the most unstoppable force in pro wrestling's most prominent promotion.

That sequence was broken by Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34 in one of the night's best matches, but it did not stunt The Empress of Tomorrow. Instead, it motivated her.

The Japanese competitor continued to amass titles while defeating every major star of her era.

Combining her stunning strikes, colorful ring gear, captivating appearance and penchant for mind games, she has achieved success in both singles and tag team action.

She also etched her name in the history books as the winner of both the inaugural women's Royal Rumble match and the most unique Money in the Bank ladder match of all time, which saw her battle her way to the top of WWE headquarters to retrieve the coveted briefcase.

Both of those triumphs came after she carried an NXT women's division that had been elevated to new heights by the original Four Horsewomen, making it destination viewing for fans.

One of the most decorated women's wrestlers in the history of WWE, she continues to add to her Hall of Fame-worthy resume.

As one-half of The Kabuki Warriors with Kairi Sane, Asuka is a reigning WWE women's tag team champion.

44. Kofi Kingston

Accomplishments: WWE champion, intercontinental champion (4), United States champion (3), tag team champion (14), NXT tag team champion

Kofi Kingston debuted for WWE in 2008, and it's easy to forget how good the Ghana-born competitor has been throughout his career almost two decades later.

A dynamic performer who has thrilled fans as both a singles and tag team competitor, he had already amassed a collection of title reigns before he even joined up with Xavier Woods and Big E to form The New Day.

A trio born due to no other creative options, they evolved into one of the most popular and most successful groups in company history. Together, they have won tag team titles and sold a boatload of unicorn-themed merchandise.

The love fans had for the group, and Kingston in particular, was never more evident than on the road to WrestleMania 35.

Riding a wave of momentum and popularity that became known as KofiMania, he challenged Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. In one of the most emotional moments in the history of the event, he won and became the first African-born WWE champion.

Kingston has never quite returned to that level, but he remains one of the most perpetually over stars in WWE. So much so that he can be heated up at any point, put in a match with any star on the roster and be believed in that role, thanks to a Hall of Fame resume he has built for himself.

43. Jeff Hardy

Accomplishments: WWE champion, world heavyweight champion (2), intercontinental champion (5), European champion, United States champion, hardcore champion (3), light heavyweight champion, tag team champion (8), WCW tag team champion

Jeff Hardy may well have made this list had he stuck solely to tag team competition.

Along with his brother, Matt, The Charismatic Enigma achieved championship success and revolutionized the industry thanks to their innovative and high-flying arsenal.

With Edge and Christian and The Dudley Boyz, the team breathed new life into a tag team division that badly needed it near the turn of the century.

Always the more popular of the two brothers, thanks in large part to his individuality and charisma, Jeff would achieve monumental success outside of his partnership with his older sibling.

He won the top prizes in the company, achieved incredible success and popularity, and he engaged the likes of Triple H, Edge, The Undertaker and CM Punk in some of the more memorable and acclaimed matches and stories of the late 2000s.

Issues away from the squared circle prevented him from achieving even more. In the ring, though, few have engaged an audience or connected with them on the level that he has.

42. 'Ravishing' Rick Rude

Accomplishments: intercontinental champion, Hall of Fame (2017)

Whether they were "high-rolling sweat hogs" or Jake Roberts' wife, Cheryl, "Ravishing" Rick Rude knew how to anger the wrestling world simply by picking up a microphone.

If that wasn't enough, a smile while disrobing and the reveal of his airbrushed tights, complete with the face of his opponent, certainly would.

Touting himself as god's gift to women, Rude would gyrate one moment and beat down popular babyfaces the next. More importantly, when the time called for it, he would take a world-class butt-kicking.

Rude bumped around the ring with ease, selling his opponents' attacks when necessary and often finding ways to steal a victory. Look no further than his most significant win in WWE, a WrestleMania V victory over The Ultimate Warrior for the Intercontinental Championship.

A competitor who was talented enough to win the world title but was never going to smash through the glass ceiling known as Hulkamania, Rude still put together enough unforgettable matches and moments to earn votes from our panel and secure a spot in our top 50.

41. Sasha Banks

Accomplishments: NXT women's champion, Raw women's champion (5), SmackDown women's champion, women's tag team champion (2)

Few women have impacted the history of WWE the way Sasha Banks did.

The Legit Boss developed a persona for herself during her time in NXT that captivated fans, an uber-confident heel who knew how good she was and wasn't afraid to tell anyone within earshot.

She carried herself with a swagger that announced she was a big deal, and it was only a matter of time before her in-ring performances backed that up.

With Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Bayley, she revolutionized NXT, bringing women's wrestling to the forefront and proving it could be every bit as engrossing as what the men had to offer.

Her matches with Bayley were legendary, with their initial encounter at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in August 2015 hailed as one of the best and most emotional in WWE history.

Banks' elevation to the main roster saw the continuation of her excellence, including a bevy of title victories and superb in-ring performances.

By the time WrestleMania 37 rolled around, she was better than the best and oozed confidence as she took to the ring for a historic SmackDown Women's Championship clash with Bianca Belair.

That match, the first between two black women in the main event of wrestling's most prestigious event, only further solidified Banks' spot in WWE history and paid off a career of hard work dedicated to instilling the idea that women could achieve all that men could between the ropes.

Her departure from the company in 2022 amid creative differences notwithstanding, the history of women's wrestling as it is cannot be told without Banks. And if that isn't reason enough for her inclusion on this list, nothing is.

40. "Superstar" Billy Graham

Accomplishments: WWE champion, Hall of Famer (2004)

Professional wrestling as we know it today would not exist without "Superstar" Billy Graham.

The bleach-blond baddie with the silver tongue and 24-inch biceps injected tie-dye into a world of black and white when he rose to prominence in 1970s WWE.

He lifted barbell plates and ate T-bone steaks, he chirped on the mic while breaking the mold of what a champion in New York could look and sound like at the time.

With a personality as big as his arms, he captivated fans as he rose through the ranks and eventually ended Bruno Sammartino's second reign as WWE champion in 1977.

Graham would hold the title for 296 days, defending against all comers, including the legendary Dusty Rhodes. Their series saw The American Dream hoist the WWE Championship, only to have it snatched away from him via a technicality when he defeated his fellow Hall of Famer by count-out.

Graham dropped the gold to Bob Backlund but not before making a lasting impact on generations to come. Hulk Hogan recalled modeling his character after the Hall of Famer, setting himself up for nearly unprecedented success throughout his career.

Graham never really stayed in one place for too long, moving from territory to territory before returning to WWE on two other occasions, including a stint as a manager for Don "The Rock" Muraco and as a commentator in the late 1980s.

That he never had another world title run, and his runs with the company were relatively short, is the only thing keeping him from ranking higher on this list.

Especially since his bombastic nature caught young Vincent K. McMahon's eye and gave him a look at the kind of Superstar, one who meshed athleticism and entertainment and would lead a national expansion of the family business.

39. Rob Van Dam

Accomplishments: WWE champion, ECW champion, European champion, hardcore champion (4), intercontinental champion (6), tag team champion (3), Money in the Bank (2006), Hall of Famer (2021)

After proving himself in ECW, Rob Van Dam jumped to WWE in 2001 as part of the Invasion storyline and wasted little time showcasing why he was one of the hottest stars in the industry.

An uber-athlete with an innovative move set unlike anything other competitors were capable of at the time, he immediately found himself competing against the best the company had to offer. From stealing shows with Jeff Hardy to headlining against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Kurt Angle, he proved he belonged.

As intercontinental champion, he unified the title with the European and hardcore belts, all while emerging as one of WWE's workhorses through the first half of the 2000s.

From there, he led the reintroduction of ECW, convincing company officials to produce the One Night Stand pay-per-view in 2005, and then won Money in the Bank at WrestleMania 22 before cashing in his guaranteed title opportunity two months later.

He defeated John Cena for the WWE Championship and simultaneously held the resuscitated ECW title in the summer of 2006.

Real-life legal issues cost him both titles and Van Dam, no matter how popular he proved to be with fans, never returned to that level of success in WWE again, essentially stunting how far up this list he could rank.

Still, RVD had a Hall of Fame-worthy career in wrestling's biggest promotion. He routinely worked with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Kane, Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Booker T and other top-tier talent, proving he was arguably the most successful ECW export in WWE history.

38. Owen Hart

Accomplishments: European champion, intercontinental champion (2), tag team champion (4), King of the Ring (1994)

After a frustrating start to his WWE career that saw him saddled with the Blue Blazer gimmick and thrown in tag teams with Koko B. Ware and Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, Owen Hart broke out in late 1993 when he expressed frustration with his place in the shadow of his older brother, Bret.

A brief reunion over the holidays preceded a shocking betrayal that saw him kick The Hitman's injured leg from under him at the 1994 Royal Rumble.

It sparked one of the greatest storylines in WWE history, a sibling rivalry that would write its first chapter in a classic WrestleMania X opener, won by Owen.

The Rocket would become royalty three months later, defeating Razor Ramon to win the 1994 King of the Ring tournament. It sparked a main event run that saw him remain a thorn in the side of his brother and the rest of the Hart family.

Outside of the confines of that rivalry, Owen accumulated titles, winning every piece of gold available to him except the WWE Championship. He was invaluable during the company's New Generation Era, a workhorse who could be trusted to have great matches and put over opponents when the time called for it.

A wrestler whose personality was as big as his in-ring skills were special, his death following a fall from the rafters during the Over the Edge pay-per-view in May 1999 remains one of the darkest moments in pro wrestling history.

37. Mr. Perfect

Accomplishments: intercontinental champion (2), Hall of Famer (2007)

Curt Hennig arrived in WWE in 1988 and wasted little time proving to the world why he was exactly what he said he was: Mr. Perfect.

Accompanied by vignettes of him accomplishing jaw-dropping athleticism across multiple sports, he had already captured the attention of fans. He followed them up with incredible in-ring performances that highlighted a performer working at a different level than those around him.

Hennig bumped around the squared circle for every opponent, making them look like an unstoppable force before finding a way to outsmart them en route to victory. He spent late 1988 through early 1990 unbeaten in singles competition in WWE before taking his first loss to Brutus Beefcake at WrestleMania VI.

He answered that loss by winning the vacant Intercontinental Championship and elevating it as the worker's title. Unfortunately, a bad back cost him years of his in-ring career with the company, reducing him to manager or commentator in between stints inside the ring.

Still, it's a testament to what he achieved as intercontinental champion and the matches he had with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Tito Santana, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Lex Luger that he is fondly remembered enough to make the top 40.

36. Batista

Accomplishments: WWE champion (2), world heavyweight champion (4), tag team champion (4), Royal Rumble winner (2005, 2014)

Initially, it appeared Batista was the latest in big, jacked heavyweights to enter WWE and receive a big push based solely on how he looked in 8x10s.

Physically, he was a monster. But it was his mind, as well as some brilliantly executed facial expressions, that would elevate him up the card and into the main event stratosphere.

Breaking out as one-quarter of Evolution, Batista was the powerhouse enforcer of the group, watching the backs of Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Triple H.

He grew into the role of a legitimate star and main eventer in WWE by working alongside The Game and The Nature Boy, sitting under the tallest and most fruitful learning tree imaginable.

By the time 2004 rolled around, Batista began to recognize what was going on: Triple H had used and manipulated him to protect his spot at the top of the food chain. His use of smirks, the occasional eye roll or a shrug of the shoulders alerted fans that he knew the true motivations of his mentor.

He won the 2005 Royal Rumble, excommunicated himself from Evolution and went on to defeat The Game at WrestleMania 21 to win his first World Heavyweight Championship. From there, he embarked on a main event run that saw him develop not only into the face of SmackDown but also as a great in-ring performer.

His career became defined by battles with his former teammates, as well as The Undertaker, Edge, John Cena, Kane, Booker T, Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, JBL, Eddie Guerrero, Finlay, William Regal and Umaga, proving he could compete against Superstars of all sizes and backgrounds.

Hollywood came calling and Batista successfully transitioned into the world of movies, becoming a major crossover star and, arguably, the best wrestler-turned-actor to date.

A Hall of Fame-worthy competitor whose enshrinement was halted due to the global pandemic in 2020, The Animal exceeded all expectations en route to becoming one of the most prominent Superstars in the business.

35. The Ultimate Warrior

Accomplishments: WWE champion, intercontinental champion (2), Hall of Famer (2014)

The Ultimate Warrior's explosive entrance, heart-pounding theme music, unbridled energy and ferocious in-ring style made him a can't-miss watch for fans. He was a force of nature whenever he raced through the curtain.

While few will ever seek out a tape of "Ultimate Warrior's Greatest Matches," it was his aura and otherworldly persona that made him one of WWE's most unforgettable figures.

That is not to say he is without classic encounters, though.

At WrestleMania VI, two years into his run with the company and amid his reign as intercontinental champion, Warrior challenged Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship in a title vs. title main event.

A grueling contest gave way to the face-painted enigma evading one last leg-drop attempt by the biggest star in the company, catching him with a big splash and winning the top prize in the industry.

One year later, he returned to the grandest stage, battling "Macho King" Randy Savage in what many consider his greatest match.

Featuring high drama, morality tales and an epic conclusion that saw him overwhelm Savage with a barrage of shoulder tackles, it was one of those rare contests that can be shown to any non-fan as an explanation of what makes pro wrestling so special.

Attitude issues behind the scenes, and a less-than-stellar reputation among his peers, would ultimately lead to his departure from WWE more than once, but an emotional return in 2014 and Hall of Fame induction allowed him to make amends and address the fans.

One of the most polarizing stars in company history, he assumes his place among the 50 greatest Superstars of all time, blazing a legacy for himself despite relatively fleeting runs compared to others on this list.

34. Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat

Accomplishments: intercontinental champion (1), Hall of Famer (2009)

Ricky Steamboat's arrival in WWE coincided with the promotion's lift-off into popular culture amid The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection.

The talented in-ring competitor appeared on the inaugural WrestleMania card and defeated Matt Borne. In the two years that followed, he feuded with the likes of Mr. Fuji, Don Muraco and Jake "The Snake" Roberts before setting his sights on the intercontinental Championship, which was held by "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

A months-long rivalry culminated in one of the best matches of all time at WrestleMania III which saw Steamboat end an exhausting 15-minute battle by catching the champion with a small package to dethrone him.

His win, the emotional embrace with George "The Animal" Steele and the electric reaction to it all helped ensure Steamboat's place in both WrestleMania and WWE history.

He would return to WWE for a brief cup of coffee in 1991 after a run with NWA, but it was his unexpectedly great stint in 2009 that solidified his status on this list.

After 18 years away, Steamboat returned to the ring and delivered an awe-inspiring performance against Chris Jericho at WrestleMania 25, then followed up with an equally good one a month later at Backlash.

One of the most well-respected stars in the industry, he inspired an entire generation of wrestlers with his in-ring work and that classic in Pontiac, Michigan that is still reverently spoken of today as one of the finest in the industry's long and illustrious history.

33. Booker T

Accomplishments: WCW champion, world heavyweight champion, tag team champion (4), intercontinental champion, United States champion (3), hardcore champion (2), King of the Ring (2006), Hall of Famer (2013, 2019 as a member of Harlem Heat)

There is an argument to be made that Booker T enjoyed the most success of any WCW Original to make the jump to WWE after the former went out of business in 2001.

Arriving as the old promotion's world champion, he attacked Steve Austin at the King of the Ring and then entered a rivalry with The Rock, leading to an appearance in the SummerSlam main event.

From there, he constantly walked the fine line between main event and midcard, staying just over enough to jump in and out of headline bouts against Hall of Fame-worthy talent while proving adaptable enough to partner with Goldust in one of the most entertaining tag teams of the 2000s.

There was frustration, including a flirtation with the World Heavyweight Championship in 2003 during a controversial rivalry with Triple H, only for the hero to fall short of beating the world champion at WrestleMania XIX.

Still, Booker T remained on TV in prominent positions and was perpetually over with fans.

A heel turn in 2006, coupled with a King of the Ring tournament victory, would provide the spark that catapulted him to the top of the SmackDown brand as world heavyweight champion.

King Booker proved wildly entertaining as the central heel of the blue brand, battling the likes of Batista, Bobby Lashley and Rey Mysterio, plus teaming with Finlay and William Regal. It was a role he threw himself into and the fans bought into it, giving company officials faith in him as a guy who could thrive in such a high-profile position.

He would return over the years for bit roles and cameos, and he is currently a commentator for the NXT brand.

Booker's persistence allowed him to stick it out in WWE, even when things were professionally frustrating.

His understanding and acknowledgment of the value of humor and entertainment allowed him to succeed where others from WCW faltered and earned him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, recognition in Bad Bunny's hit song "Booker T" and this spot in our countdown.

32. Jake 'The Snake' Roberts

Accomplishments: Hall of Famer (2014)

Only a performer as engaging and unforgettable as Jake "The Snake" Roberts could go an entire WWE career without winning a title and still appear this high on a list of the 50 greatest WWE Superstars.

Perhaps the most captivating talker in company history, his ability to connect with audiences and convey his emotions without resorting to the yelling, rambling promo style of his counterparts set his part.

He spoke softly, yet his words cut like a knife. With the slightest raise of an eyebrow or the smallest squint, his expressions suggested he was as dangerous as his sentences indicated.

The presence of his trusty python, Damien, only heightened that danger.

An unlikely babyface turn in 1987 saw Roberts emerge as one of the most popular stars in WWE at a time of iconic characters and unprecedented success. Unforgettable feuds with Rick Rude, Andre the Giant and Earthquake established him as one of the top stars in the company.

An otherworldly heel run in 1991, during which he targeted Randy Savage, tormenting him and Miss Elizabeth, only served to enhance his legacy.

A performer on another level than those around him, with an intricate knowledge of how to connect with the audience and elicit the desired emotion, his greatest stories and moments remain etched vividly in the minds of WWE fans long after they unfolded on television.

Issues outside of the ring limited the success Roberts would achieve in the company, preventing him from having the WWE Championship run that reflected his undeniable talent.

However, the B/R panel's ranking of him this high on the list underlines the mark he left on fans and analysts alike.

31. Kane

Accomplishments: WWE champion, world heavyweight champion, ECW champion, WCW tag team champion, intercontinental champion (2), hardcore champion, 24/7 champion, tag team champion (11), Hall of Famer (2021), Money in the Bank (2010)

As Isaac Yankem DDS and the fake Diesel, there were understandable questions about Glenn Jacobs' ability to succeed in WWE.

Enter Kane, the long-lost brother of The Undertaker.

The Big Red Machine emerged from the darkness, seeking revenge against The Deadman for the fire that killed their parents. As absurd as it was on the surface, the feud resulted in one of the greatest examples of epic storytelling in WWE history.

For two decades, the Brothers of Destruction would battle as opponents. Along the way, Kane would be firmly established as a main eventer in wrestling's most prestigious company, combatting the likes of Steve Austin, The Rock, Mankind, Big Show and Triple H.

Then there were the championships.

Kane would become one of the most decorated Superstars of his generation, winning every major title. His 2010 run with the World Heavyweight Championship on SmackDown saw him do some of his best work in years and he was a go-to when the company needed new tag team champions, accumulating 11 reigns total.

That he accomplished all of that while participating in some of the most creatively questionable stories in company history (Katie Vick, anyone?) is evidence of his ability to weather the storm, stay relevant and remain over with fans who had invested energy into his many twists and turns.

One of the great big men in company history, with a resume that rivals any of his peers, Kane has more than earned his spot at No. 31, with an argument to be made that he could be slotted further up this countdown.

30. Razor Ramon

Accomplishments: Intercontinental champion (4), Hall of Famer (2014, 2020 as a member of the New World Order)

"Bad times don't last, but bad guys do."

Razor Ramon's name certainly has.

The Bad Guy dominated WWE during the early to mid-1990s as one of the faces of the company's New Generation.

Big, charismatic and cooler than any other star in the company, he debuted in 1992 as a heel acquaintance of Ric Flair, assisting him in underhandedly winning the WWE Championship from "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

Ramon carried himself with such confidence and swagger, though, that the company had no choice but to turn him babyface. And less than a year into his run, he was one of the most over competitors in the promotion.

After winning his first title, the Intercontinental Championship, he became synonymous with the belt. He held it four times throughout his WWE career.

When he was not defending the gold, he was competing for it while feuding with the likes of Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Jeff Jarrett and Goldust.

Against Michaels, he competed in two iconic ladder matches, the first in 1994 at WrestleMania X and the second at SummerSlam 1995. Those contests set the standard for all that followed it and the first, in Madison Square Garden, remains one of the greatest to take place on the grandest stage in wrestling some three decades later.

A virtuoso performer, the only thing that could obstruct Ramon between the ropes were his demons. His suspension in 1996 for substance abuse cost him a WrestleMania XII match, originally slated to be a Hollywood Backlot Brawl against Goldust.

He departed the company within two months and did not return for the next six years.

One of the great competitors to never hold the WWE Championship, his legacy lives on in the Superstars influenced by him, including Damian Priest.

29. Trish Stratus

Accomplishments: WWE women's champion (7), WWE hardcore champion, Hall of Fame (2013)

There would be no Women's Revolution in WWE without Trish Stratus.

Before The Four Horsewomen, the former fitness model blazed trails and busted her back while leading women's wrestling into its golden era in the 2000s.

She transitioned from manager to pawn in the McMahon family soap opera to one of the most decorated Superstars of her generation, all while changing the perception of what a female wrestler could achieve in WWE.

Less than two years into her run with the company, Stratus won her first women's title in a Six-Pack Challenge match. From there, fans watched as she evolved as an in-ring competitor while feuding with Jazz, Molly Holly and Victoria. Their matches elevated the status of women's wrestling and provided fans with a glimpse of the wrestler Stratus would become.

Her rivalry with Lita began when both had freshly arrived as managers in the company and escalated to the main event of a December 2004 episode of Monday Night Raw. Their history-making marquee bout, which Stratus lost, proved women could be put in that spot and thrive.

A back injury and personal issues led to Stratus retiring from full-time competition in 2006, but the all-timer pops back up on WWE television from time to time, including a SummerSlam 2019 classic against Charlotte Flair.

More recently, she underwent a heel turn and feuded with Becky Lynch, culminating in a Steel Cage match at Payback 2023.

A woman who faced trials and tribulations to even get the opportunity to prove her worth as a wrestler, Stratus far exceeded expectations. And in the process, she laid the foundation for the women's revolution.

For that reason, there is an argument to be made that she belongs higher on this list.

28. Chyna

Accomplishments: WWE intercontinental champion (2), WWE women's champion, WWE Hall of Famer (2019 as part of D-Generation X)

Chyna belongs in the WWE Hall of Fame for her own individual accomplishments, a wrong that company officials will hopefully put right sooner rather than later.

The Ninth Wonder of the World broke through the glass ceiling and proved that a woman could not only share the ring with a man but also beat him.

In October 1999, after two years of stunning her counterparts with a ferocity and physicality typically reserved for male Superstars, Chyna etched her name in the history books by defeating Jeff Jarrett to become the first woman to hold the Intercontinental Championship.

She held it again after winning an intergender tag team match alongside Eddie Guerrero at the 2000 SummerSlam, where the pre-match stipulations saw her crowned as IC champion.

She remains the only woman to hold that title once, let alone on two different occasions.

Chyna squared off with Jarrett, Triple H, Mankind, Chris Jericho, Guerrero, and Kurt Angle and even engaged "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in a tense staredown more than once.

Fearless in the face of the masculinity that had engulfed pro wrestling in the past, she confronted it head-on and proved herself capable of entertaining the audience as well as, if not more so than, her opponents.

A crossover star with broader appeal, her popularity among fans allowed her to appear in mainstream settings such as awards, talk shows, and primetime TV.

Fame and notoriety prompted Chyna to request more money when her deal came up, something WWE officials were not willing to do, and her run with the company came to an abrupt conclusion in 2001.

One of the most historically significant women in WWE history, Chyna died in April 2016. She never had the opportunity to return and bask in the adulation of the fans who still recognize her for what she was able to accomplish in an era when things were far more male-driven.

27. Charlotte Flair

Accomplishments: Raw women's champion (6), SmackDown women's champion (7), NXT women's champion (2), WWE Divas champion, women's tag team champion, women's Royal Rumble winner (2020)

Much is made of Charlotte Flair being the famous daughter of one of wrestling's most decorated and respected stars without recognizing the incredible pressure of living in his shadow.

The Queen has managed to step out of her father's shadow and forge her own path, one that has seen her amass one of the greatest championship resumes of any Superstar currently in WWE.

Flair acquired her first gold in NXT, defeating Natalya to win the women's title. From there, she would alter the course of women's wrestling history alongside Bayley, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch, revolutionizing the sport and proving that women could show out just like their male counterparts.

With the support of Triple H and other NXT officials, they rose to the occasion, delivering fantastic matches while simultaneously changing the expectations of fans based solely on their athleticism and storytelling ability.

On the main roster, she picked up where she left off, stealing shows and winning titles. Always in the hunt for the gold, she has been a main event-caliber performer since her call-up in 2015.

Flair has also etched her name in the history books, battling Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch in the main event of WrestleMania 35, the first time a women's match closed out The Showcase of the Immortals.

Epic encounters with her fellow Horsewomen, as well as Rousey, Naomi, Asuka, The Bella Twins, Nia Jax and her WrestleMania 39 Match of the Year award winner vs. Rhea Ripley have all helped to establish her as the measuring stick for female athletes in WWE.

A decade into her career, it can be argued that The Queen has seemingly accomplished all that there is to do in WWE. The drive to be the best she can be will fuel her to win more titles, headline more premium live events, wrestle more dream matches and leave a legacy that is indisputably her own.

And by the time this countdown is revisited further down the line, it would not be at all surprising if Flair ranks even higher than she does at this point.

26. Seth Rollins

Accomplishments: WWE champion (2), world heavyweight champion (1), WWE universal champion (2), intercontinental champion (2), United States champion (2), tag team champion (6), Money in the Bank (2014), men's Royal Rumble winner (2019)

Like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels before him, Seth Rollins has gained the reputation of a workhorse in WWE, thanks to his many in-ring appearances and their consistent high quality.

From the moment he made the jump from NXT, where he was that brand's inaugural champion to the main roster with The Shield, Rollins wasted little time establishing himself as one of the best in the business. He won tag team gold with Roman Reigns and was routinely in the best match of any card he appeared.

His performances made it that much easier for WWE to decide to split him off from Reigns and Dean Ambrose and embark on a singles run as the top heel in the promotion. A win in the 2014 Money in the Bank match and the role of The Authority's chosen one elevated him immediately.

His unforgettable cash-in at WrestleMania 31, where he defeated Reigns and Brock Lesnar to win his first WWE title, remains one of the seminal moments in the history of The Showcase of the Immortals.

That was the first of many championship victories for Rollins, who has remained at or near the top of the card for the majority of his run with the company. Whether he is a babyface or a heel, he has made the absolute most of whatever he has been given.

He has done some of his best work since 2022, meaning it's likely Rollins is only getting better. If that is the case, don't be surprised to see The Architect build a career that rivals those of Superstars even higher on this countdown.

25. Edge

Accomplishments: WWE champion (4), world heavyweight champion (7), intercontinental champion (5), WCW United States champion, tag team champion (14), King of the Ring (2001), Money in the Bank (2005), men's Royal Rumble winner (2010, 2021)

Edge took the long path to greatness in WWE.

Debuting as an enigmatic loner in 1998, he transitioned into a role with The Brood before settling into a tag team with longtime friend Christian. Together, and with The Hardy Boyz and Dudley Boyz, they provided that division with a much-needed shot of adrenaline.

Every time the Toronto native and his peers took to the squared circle for a new gimmick bout, they one-upped the previous one, making it bigger, better and riskier than the last.

After setting the bar incredibly high for all other teams, Edge broke off and embarked on a singles run in which it was obvious the company had big plans for him.

A neck injury sidelined him early in the 2000s, but he came back with one goal in mind: To win the WWE title that had eluded him to that point. A heel turn and the exploitation of a real-life affair with Lita helped him achieve that when the inaugural Money in the Bank winner cashed in on John Cena and captured the gold for the first time.

A WrestleMania 22 classic with Mick Foley cemented his status as a main event competitor, and from there The Rated-R Superstar began a run at the top of the card that saw him mix it up with industry giants such as John Cena, The Undertaker, Batista, Rey Mysterio and Chris Jericho.

One of the most celebrated performers of his era, Edge has left an indelible mark on fans.

When a neck injury forced him into early retirement, most assumed they would never see him compete again. A shocking, unforgettable return in the 2020 men's Royal Rumble match changed that and allowed Edge to go on one last run with WWE that saw him headline WrestleMania once more and wrap up his run in his hometown of Toronto.

A worker who changed the game as a tag team competitor and then became one of the most influential of his generation, Edge has earned his spot at this position on the countdown amid a valid argument that he could be higher.

24. Ric Flair

Accomplishments: WWE champion (2), intercontinental champion, tag team champion (3), Royal Rumble winner (1992), WWE Hall of Famer (2008, 2012 as a member of The Four Horsemen)

After a long and fruitful run with the NWA, Jim Crockett Promotions and WCW, Ric Flair arrived on the scene in WWE in late 1991 as the "Real World's Champion" and immediately contested Hulk Hogan's claim to being the top dog in the industry.

The Nature Boy was widely considered to be the best wrestler on the planet, and he wasted little time proving it, including an unforgettable appearance in the 1992 Royal Rumble in which he entered at No. 3 and went on to win his first of two WWE Championships.

An excellent rivalry with "Macho Man" Randy Savage in which he made scandalous accusations about Miss Elizabeth culminated in a high-intensity WrestleMania VIII showdown. House-show contests with Hulk Hogan, the dream match fans were not privy to at The Showcase of the Immortals, further defined his run with the promotion.

After just over one year of competing for the company, Flair departed amid a youth movement in WWE and returned to WCW, where he would stay until that organization's demise in 2001.

Chapter two of Flair in WWE saw him arrive a broken man, his confidence shattered by the experience of his final run in WCW. That was until Triple H reminded him of who he was and convinced Naitch to form Evolution. Flair and The Game took Randy Orton and Batista under their wing and taught them all they knew about the industry.

Flair helped shape the future of the industry, a testament to his selflessness and remained a fixture of WWE television through 2008 when he reluctantly wrestled his retirement match at WrestleMania XXIV against Shawn Michaels.

The contest, one of the most emotional in the history of the company, gave Flair the iconic farewell that a performer of his caliber deserved.

There is no other Superstar on this list who better reflects the significance of the criteria for this list than Flair.

The Nature Boy is tied with John Cena for the most (recognized) world titles ever, but most of those occurred in WCW and not WWE, which limits how far he was going to rank here.

Still, the B/R panel took into consideration the quality of his work with WWE, the fact that he was a consistent main event talent throughout and being directly responsible for shaping two of the Superstars who joined him on this list.

All of which landed him in the top half of it, and deservedly so.

23. Becky Lynch

Accomplishments: WWE Raw women's champion (2), WWE SmackDown women's champion (4), NXT women's champion, WWE women's tag team champion, women's Royal Rumble winner (2019)

Some of the greatest Superstars in WWE history have battled creative frustration, looked internally to find themselves and gone on to become the best of their generations.

Such is the case for Becky Lynch, who helped revolutionize professional wrestling as part of the Four Horsewomen of NXT, only to arrive on the main roster with no real direction or sense of who she was as a character.

The inaugural SmackDown women's champion, she had a strong following but lacked the character that could propel her to the top of the card.

Fast-forward to 2018 and a fateful heel turn in which she assaulted former friend Charlotte Flair. A broken face suffered at the hands of Nia Jax would turn her fortunes even further as fans embraced the bloodied and defiant badass.

By the following April, Lynch had become a trash-talking antihero known as The Man. She was by far the most over Superstar on the roster, and she made history alongside Flair and Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania 35 by becoming the first women to close out the event.

Lynch won the Raw and SmackDown women's titles that night and would remain the red brand's champion for over a year before pregnancy saw her relinquish the gold in May 2020.

Like any great competitor, she proved she could reinvent herself, becoming a heel as Big Time Becks and regaining the Raw women's title. A lengthy run culminated with one of the best matches on the WrestleMania 38 card and more critically acclaimed work.

Lynch has laid the groundwork for others to follow as a woman in the industry. A performer who broke the mold, stayed true to herself and ultimately found her way, The Man proved that anything her male counterparts could do, she could do better.

22. Daniel Bryan

Accomplishments: WWE champion (4), world heavyweight champion, intercontinental champion, United States champion, tag team champion (2), Money in the Bank (2011)

If there was ever a Superstar who should never have succeeded to the extent that he did in WWE, it is Daniel Bryan.

An undersized indie darling synonymous with the gritty, technical style of Ring of Honor, he entered WWE with several knocks already against him. Guys who looked like him and wrestled like he did simply did not excel in McMahonland.

Instead of embracing that mindset, Bryan set out to prove his doubters wrong—and did just that.

He won the United States Championship first, defeating his NXT mentor, The Miz. Then, he captured the Money in the Bank briefcase, which he cashed in to defeat Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship in 2011. It was an 18-second loss to Sheamus at WrestleMania XXVIII that planted the seeds for the monumental run he would go on from there.

Fans so loved Bryan that they embraced his "Yes!" chant. WWE's attempt to curb the movement by putting him with Kane in a makeshift tag team only enhanced the support for the bearded wonder, especially after the hilarious anger-management segments featuring the two.

There was such chemistry and comedic gold that existed between the uber-serious Bryan and a suddenly lighthearted Kane that it created a magnetic dynamic.

After an unexpectedly great run as partners, Bryan refocused on winning the WWE Championship and did so by beating John Cena at SummerSlam in 2013. However, a double-cross by Triple H and Randy Orton led to him losing the title the same night via a Money in the Bank cash-in.

The crowd fervor for Bryan only intensified from there, with fans demanding his place in the main event, going as far as to hijack shows with chants of "We want Bryan."

So passionate was the "Yes! Movement" that WWE had no choice but to give in and at WrestleMania XXX, he defeated Triple H in the night's opener to earn a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton and Batista later in the night.

His victory there and the celebration that followed were indicative of the fans' growing influence on the product and the unbreakable bond Bryan had formed with them.

A severe neck injury would cost him over three years of his in-ring career, but he came back stronger than ever and developed a heel persona that helped rejuvenate his career.

As The Planet's Champion, he berated the fickleness of the WWE Universe and provided the perfect foil for Kofi Kingston, who he put over in grand fashion at WrestleMania 35.

Arguably the greatest technical wrestler of all time, Bryan far exceeded even the loftiest of expectations in his WWE run and proved that he belonged not only there, but also this high on our list.

21. Triple H

Accomplishments: WWE champion (9), world heavyweight champion (5), intercontinental champion (5), European champion (2), tag team champion (3), King of the Ring (1997), Royal Rumble winner (2002, 2016)

Let the controversy commence.

Triple H is one of the most decorated, influential and powerful Superstars in WWE history.

He is also one of the most resilient, overcoming the political firestorm that resulted from his in-ring "curtain call" celebration with Kliq friends Diesel, Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels to become a legitimate main event attraction and one of the greatest champions of his generation.

He overcame serious inuries, including two torn quadriceps, fighting through them to complete both matches in which they occurred.

He is also married into the McMahon family, giving him a certain level of power that, at least through the early portion of the 2000s, tarnished his achievements in the eyes of the internet wrestling community.

Some suggested he would never have compiled the laundry list of titles and main event appearances he did if he was not married to Vince McMahon's daughter, Stephanie.

He was considered a master politician, a label that hung over his classic encounters with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, Mankind, Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, Kane and Shawn Michaels like a dark cloud.

No matter how great his in-ring performance was or how much WWE needed him as a centerpiece, there was always some explanation for his accomplishments that did not start and end with "he was that damn good" and deserving.

He was just that, though, on both accounts.

Perhaps that preconception influenced the views of the B/R panel when deciding Triple H's placement on this list.

Simply looking at his achievements and influence on WWE, both on and off screen today, he would appear to be more than deserving of a far higher spot on this list.

Even more so taking into consideration his role as the chief content officer of WWE in charge of forging the creative path for the product amid a renaissance.

20. CM Punk

Accomplishments: WWE champion (2), world heavyweight champion (3), ECW champion, intercontinental champion, tag team champion, Money in the Bank (2008, 2009)

Picking up where Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels left off a generation before him, Punk changed what it meant to be a star in WWE.

He never should have succeeded in the company. He was an indie darling who cut his teeth in promotions across the country before building his reputation in Ring of Honor. He was smaller, tattooed, had piercings and did not reflect what Vince McMahon looked for in top Superstars in the slightest.

What he did have was an ability to connect with audiences based on the conviction with which he spoke. From the moment he arrived in WWE, he fought resistance from those in power, constantly proving them wrong thanks to that connection with the audience and his drive to prove that he belonged.

He did it in the ECW reboot, succeeding at a time when there was little associated with that brand did. He became the first Superstar to go back-to-back with Money in the Bank victories, underwent a heel turn that saw him become ferociously despised as the leader of the Straight Edge Society, and he even excelled in a stint at commentary while recuperating from injury.

Punk's legacy in WWE begins, however, with the June 27, 2011 "pipe bomb" promo that saw him last out verbally against everything, and everyone, that had annoyed, irritated, and frustrated him throughout his run with the company.

It captivated audiences and resulted in him becoming the hottest star in the promotion. His victory over John Cena weeks later in Chicago's Allstate Arena at Money in the Bank is a watershed moment and launched him into the main event stratosphere on a consistent basis.

The one-time longest reigning WWE champion in three decades, he became one of the faces of the company despite his unconventional appearance and willingness to lash out at the organization.

Epic encounters with John Cena, Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker would solidify his position before injury and fatigue set in, leading to Punk walking out on the company in January of 2014 and not returning for another nine years.

His recent comeback, beginning with an unforgettable return at the 2023 Survivor Series, was stunted by a torn triceps suffered during the 2024 Royal Rumble, but he has remained visible and is already setup for a feud with Drew McIntyre upon his in-ring return.

A revolutionary, Punk made it possible for other indie stars, such as Daniel Bryan and Seth Rollins, to find success in wrestling's most prominent promotion, opening the door to guys who in generations past would not have been able to sniff a spot in the company let alone achieve success at the highest level.

19. Randy Orton

Accomplishments: WWE champion (10), world heavyweight champion (4), intercontinental champion, United States champion, tag team champion (4), Money in the Bank (2013), Royal Rumble winner (2009, 2017)

Randy Orton entered WWE with the weight of expectation on his shoulders.

A third generation star, he possessed raw abilities that had management salivating over what he could be. Joined by fellow Ohio Valley Wrestling export Batista, and partnered with Ric Flair and Triple H, Orton became one of the breakout stars in the promotion as one-quarter of Evolution.

He won championship gold and was legitimized in a feud with Mick Foley that saw him dig deep and discover the aggressive and intense side of him that would become a staple of his performances for the next two decades.

At the same time, he was faced with issues away from the squared circle, which threatened his future in the industry.

He overcame them and proceeded to become one of themost decorated Superstars of his generation, thanks to rivalries with Triple H, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan and more.

His penchant for the psychology of the industry and ability to utilize body language and facial expressions to get his character over have proved invaluable tools for the St. Louis native, while his connection with the audience has ensured he would remain a headliner in the industry, even after a 2022 back injury threatened his wrestling future.

Now a locker room leader who has seen it all and done everything there is to do in wrestling's most prominent company, Orton remains a fixture of WWE television while helping others prepare to carry the ball after he walks away.

A performer who overcame the lofty expectations of others to achieve excellence at a whole other level, he set the standard for greatness in the Ruthless Aggression Era and has continued to do so for well over two decades, his longevity being one of his greatest attributes.

As decorated as he is, and with the understanding of who ranks higher on this list than The Viper, there is most certainly an argument to be made that he belongs higher than the 19th position.

18. Eddie Guerrero

Accomplishments: WWE champion, European champion (2), United States champion, intercontinental champion, tag team champion (4), Hall of Fame (2006)

Eddie Guerrero captivated fans thanks in large part to an enormous personality that was as important to his presentation as his otherworldly in-ring abilities.

Latino Heat has the ability to make fans laugh, cry, and wish for his impending doom, all with the flick of an emotional switch. He could play the good guy or the bad guy, the bumbling idiot or the cruel, manipulative heel seeking to make an opponent's life a living hell.

He was a virtuoso performer on the mic or in the ring, making him one of the best to ever lace a pair of boots.

He also excelled in WWE despite his shortcomings, which included a 2001 termination from the promotion due to substance abuse issues.

Guerrero overcame his demons and returned to the company a year later, wasting little time establishing himself as a top-tier Superstar in a new-look company as it embarked on the Ruthless Aggression Era.

The second-generation star accumulated titles, Match of the Year candidates and, following a September 26, 2002 battle with Edge in which he showed out, he had the fans on his side. No matter how much WWE tried to present him as a heel for the next year, Guerrero remained immensely popular and an inspiration to the audience.

So much so that officials had no choice but to recognize his popularity and give him a run with the WWE Championship, which he won in February 2004 from Brock Lesnar in the main event of the No Way Out pay-per-view.

History tells us that the weight of being champion proved to be too much for Guerrero, who ultimately dropped the title to JBL, but not before making the former tag team star as a legitimate main event competitor along the way.

He finally did turn heel in 2005, enjoying a long and winding rivalry with Rey Mysterio that introduced the world to the legendary luchador's son, Dominik, for the first time. It would be the last complete storyline we would see from Guerrero, who died at the age of 38 on November 13, 2005.

Guerrero's legacy lives on in countless Superstars today, many of whom grew up watching him and were inspired by his combination of showmanship and athleticism. A consummate entertainer, he will be forever remembered by those who were lucky to have seen him wrestle.

17. Brock Lesnar

Accomplishments: WWE champion (7), universal champion (3), King of the Ring (2002), Money in the Bank (2019), Royal Rumble (2003, 2022)

Brock Lesnar has never not been a main event attraction in WWE.

He exploded onto the scene in 2002 as the latest discovery by Paul Heyman and immediately went on a tear. He decimated the Hardy Boyz, won the 2002 King of the Ring tournament, bloodied and submitted Hulk Hogan and then defeated The Rock to win the WWE Championship, all within five months.

He had the rocket ship strapped to him but was clearly unprepared for the rigors of the business. After two years on top, Lesnar stunned fans by leaving WWE in 2004 and trying his hand at the NFL. When that did not work out, he entered the UFC Octagon and proceeded to become of the biggest box-office attractions in the history of that sport.

In 2012, he returned to WWE and proceeded to go on a run that made his first stint with the promotion look like a warmup.

He defeated CM Punk at SummerSlam 2013 in a legitimate Match of the Year candidate, then brought the wrestling world to a standstill by defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30 and ending his 21-year unbeaten streak at The Showcase of the Immortals.

It was an unforgettable moment that mainstream media picked up and fans still debate to this day. A squash match victory over John Cena in the main event of SummerSlam 2014, and another over Roman Reigns in the WrestleMania 34 main event four years later, highlighted a Superstar who was seemingly unstoppable.

Always at or near the main event, Lesnar proved himself to be one of the great attractions in the industry, but he was also key in the development of Reigns as a megastar.

He legitimized The Tribal Chief's toughness in the 2015 WrestleMania main event and then put him over once the second-generation star found himself as a character with the Bloodline story.

While Lesnar's future in the company is uncertain, there is no denying that the former NCAA amateur wrestling champion belongs on this list and probably could stand to be even higher on this list, if for no other reason than what he accomplished by defeating Undertaker and becoming the one in 21-1.

16. Chris Jericho

Accomplishments: undisputed WWE champion, world heavyweight champion (3), WCW champion (2), intercontinental champion (9), United States champion (2), European champion, hardcore champion, tag team champion (7)

Chris Jericho's debut in WWE remains one of the greatest of all time.

The millennium clock had counted down across WWE programming the impending arrival of a new addition to the roster. On the August 9, 1999 episode of Raw, Jericho interrupted a promo from The Rock and immediately set the tone for the rest of his run.

He was a loudmouth who meshed humor with cutting insults, and whose opinion of himself was as loud as the silver shirts he wore.

Between the ropes, however, Jericho was an excellent worker. Though it took him a bit to learn the WWE style, he wasted little time winning championship gold, defeating Chyna at Armageddon to win his first of nine intercontinental titles.

He would accumulate championships, deliver show-stealing performances against the likes of Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle, Triple H and The Rock, all while establishing himself as an upper-echelon star in the company.

It was not until he made history by becoming the first-ever undisputed WWE champion in December 2001 by defeating The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in the same night that he achieved legitimate main event status, however.

A must-watch performer, the adaptable Jericho proved he could excel as heel or babyface and prided himself on being able to freshen things up by changing his character as needed.

Never before was that particular trait on display more than his 2008 rivalry with Shawn Michaels, during which he left behind the bravado and showmanship in favor of a cunning, manipulative and dangerous heel inspired by the villain Anton Chigurh from the 2007 film, No Country for Old Men.

That program with Michaels, with its many twists and turns, helped highlight Jericho as a legitimate main event performer who could be more ruthless and intense than the Y2J character he had portrayed to that point.

Jericho last competed in the promotion in 2018, but his legacy with WWE is undeniable. A great in-ring competitor whose ability between the ropes is matched only by the characters he has portrayed in some of the most memorable promos and angles, he belongs on this list, and the top 20 is an appropriate position.

15. Mick Foley

Accomplishments: WWE champion (3), hardcore champion, tag team champion (8), Hall of Fame (2013)

Mick Foley's legacy in WWE is far more than just that of a hardcore legend or a master of different personalities; more than just a fun-loving orator and New York Times bestseller.

Behind the mask of Mankind, underneath the tie-dye of Dude Love and beyond the barbed wire of Cactus Jack lies one of the most important and influential performers of all time.

Over the course of his career with WWE, Foley did more to elevate and enhance those around him than anyone in the last 30 years.

Arriving on the scene in 1996, he immediately engaged The Undertaker in a rivalry that would span years and result in some of the most barbaric and violent encounters that WWE has seen.

We know about he much-discussed Hell in a Cell match from the 1998 King of the Ring, but they beat the life out of each other on a nightly basis in 1996, including a Boiler Room Brawl at SummerSlam in which nothing looked like it did not hurt.

He did the same for Shawn Michaels, dragging an intensity and aggression out of HBK that we would see countless times since, in their WWE Championship match at the In Your House: Mind Games pay-per-view

Along the way, Foley brought out of The Deadman a more physical and aggressive style than what we had ever seen from him before. Ditto Triple H, whose credibility as a main event performer in WWE can be directly traced to the Street Fight he had with Foley's Cactus Jack at the 2000 Royal Rumble.

A generation later, Foley returned to the squared circle for a lengthy and unforgettable rivalry with Randy Orton that legitimized him and proved to the world that the third-generation star was full of more than just potential and good looks. Their war at the 2004 Backlash pay-per-view remains one of the seminal matches in the career of either man.

Two years later, he returned and did the same for Edge and along the way, received the WrestleMania moment that eluded him by taking a Spear off the apron and through a flaming table.

Even The Rock benefited from working with Foley.

The third-generation star was arrogant and entertaining, but he had never really been pushed physically. That changed with his feud with Foley, who established him as a main event attraction.

There are a number of stars on this countdown and in the annals of WWE history who owe a debt of gratitude, at the very least, to Foley for helping them discover that one missing ingredient that they needed to take their game to the next level.

It is the selflessness of the legendary performer that made it possible.

When you add his sense of humor, which captivated audiences and helped him prove himself as a lovable babyface late in his WWE career, you have a virtuoso performer who could be counted on to do anything on any given episode of Raw or SmackDown and who risked his well-being to create unforgettable moments the likes of which will live forever in the annals of pro wrestling history.

14. Andre the Giant

Accomplishments: WWE champion, tag team champion, Hall of Fame (1993; inaugural inductee)

The term "icon" should be reserved for stars the magnitude of Andre the Giant.

The Eighth Wonder of the World was just that.

A worldwide attraction who wowed audiences with his size in arenas around the globe, he captivated WWE fans dating all the way back to 1973, when he made his first appearances for promoter Vincent J. McMahon.

In 1980, he had his first matches with Hulk Hogan, but this time as the babyface to Hogan's heel. The first chapter of their legendary rivalry would culminate at the Showdown at Shea, but it was hardly be the last time they squared off.

A feud with the hated Heenan Family would lead Andre into the inaugural WrestleMania and a Bodyslam Match with Big John Studd. A victory in a massive Battle Royal at WrestleMania 2 involving stars from WWE and the NFL would follow, but it was what went down at the third Showcase of the Immortals that would help define the giant's massive career.

Andre would turn heel, ironically enough embracing the influence of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan in time to challenge Hogan for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania III. The match helped draw an all-time indoor attendance record of 93,173 and saw Hogan bodyslam and then defeat Andre in an epic encounter.

The massive competitor would win his one and only WWE title the following year during The Main Event, in which he defeated Hogan under highly controversial circumstances, then sold the title to the hated Million Dollar Man.

A tag title reign with Haku would be his only other taste of championship gold during his run with the promotion.

A sharp decline in health would bring an end to Andre's in-ring career and by 1991, result in his disappearance from WWE television totally.

Recognized the world over for his contributions in the ring and in pop culture, including his role in the classic The Princess Bride, he transcended the world of professional wrestling, leaving one of the most enduring legacies of any performer to ever lace a pair of boots.

Is his resume as padded as some of the others on this list?

No, but there is no denying his place as one of the greatest WWE Superstars of all time.

13. Roman Reigns

Accomplishments: WWE champion (4), universal champion (2), intercontinental champion, United States champion, tag team champion, Royal Rumble winner (2015)

There are some who will tout "recency bias" for Reigns' placement this high on the list but in reality, it is far from too early to discuss his status among the greatest to ever do it in WWE.

The Tribal Chief overcame the rejection of the WWE Universe to rise to the top of the industry as the best heel of his generation and the central figure of the greatest storyline in the company's long and illustrious history.

The Bloodline epic has spanned four years, provided Reigns with the character he needed to become the star he is today and elevated everyone he has worked with.

As the egotistical villain who fancies himself The Head of the Table of the great Samoan wrestling dynasty, he has helped elevate Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, The Usos, Solo Sikoa and LA Knight to main event-level stardom. He has also been responsible for some of the best character work we have seen in decades, thanks to his commitment to his on-screen persona and understanding of the overarching story at play.

Some will criticize his schedule and look to downplay the historic significance of his three-year reign as the undisputed WWE universal champion because of his lack of title defenses, but there is no denying that he has elevated the games of his fellow performers and the company as a whole during this modern boom period.

Before he was the Tribal Chief, he arrived in the company as one-third of The Shield, a trio of competitors that also included fellow Top 50 Superstars Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.

That group tore through WWE, remained undefeated for nearly a year and became the standard-bearers for the future of the industry.

A nine-time WrestleMania headliner, including the last four (37-40), Reigns paid off the promise he showed with The Shield, fought through creative frustration and fans' dissatisfaction surrounding his babyface run and became the industry leader he is today.

Who knows how much longer he plans to lace the boots and star as the centerpiece of WWE, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that Reigns finds himself much further up the list before his career comes to its conclusion.

12. Rey Mysterio

Accomplishments: WWE champion, world champion (2), intercontinental champion (2), United States champion (3), cruiserweight champion (3), tag team champion (5), Royal Rumble winner (2006), Hall of Fame (2023)

The greatest luchador of all time arrived in WWE in 2002 following a five-year run in WCW and wasted no time proving he could thrive in the land of giants.

Mysterio proved adaptable, competing against former and future world champions such as Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, then turned his attention to the company's cruiserweight division. He won tag team titles, individual accolades, and proved he could compete at the top of the card against the most visible and celebrated performers.

A 2005 feud with Guerrero tested his ability to connect with the audience emotionally as he was forced to excel on the mic as well as in the ring, something he had not had the opportunity to do often.

He succeeded, spotlighting the gravity of the story and getting fans to invest, despite the absurdity of the idea that his son, Dominik, was actually Guerrero's and would be put up for grabs in a ladder match at SummerSlam 2005.

The unexpected death of Guerrero was the catalyst for an inspirational run for Mysterio, who won the 2006 Royal Rumble, the World Heavyweight Championship in one of the two main events at WrestleMania 22 to honor his close friend.

Those accomplishments were unheard of for a competitor Mysterio's size. And while his reign as champion was bumpy, there was no taking away what he had accomplished.

Following a brief departure from the company after 14 years under the WWE umbrella, Mysterio returned in 2019 and embarked on a second stint that only served to cement his status as one of the company's greatest performers.

Rivalries with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and even his now-adult son Dominik helped prove his ability to connect with audiences and showcase his emotional range to go along with his undeniable in-ring skill set.

Now a Hall of Famer, Mysterio continues to give back to the industry by working with young stars, such as Santos Escobar and Dragon Lee, in hopes of elevating them to the level he has enjoyed over the course of his WWE run.

The "biggest little man" in company history, his legacy has exceeded expectations and inspired a generation of stars, for whom size is no object because of what he has accomplished.

Mysterio also belongs in the conversation with Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Bryan Danielson, Ric Flair, and Eddie Guerrero for "best of all time" recognition, thanks to a resume of classics that have showcased his in-ring adaptability.

11. Kurt Angle

Accomplishments: WWE champion (4), WCW champion, world heavyweight champion, intercontinental champion, European champion, hardcore champion, United States champion, tag team champion, King of the Ring (2000)

The only Olympic gold medalist in WWE history, Kurt Angle arrived with a legitimacy no other Superstar could boast.

He was accomplished, a technical master thanks to his amateur background and double-tough, as evidenced by the broken neck he fought through to attain his medal win.

It was not until he proved he had a personality that he could amplify to the masses that it was clear he would be one of the best of all time.

A performer who would convey anger and intensity as easily as he could humor, he was as well-rounded from a character standpoint as there was. That he was willing to poke fun at himself did not hurt and only served to endear him to the audience.

After all, everyone knew how much of a badass he was between the ropes and that he could trap anyone in his vaunted ankle lock and force a submission.

Angle wasted little time establishing himself in the company, winning the European, intercontinental, King of the Ring and WWE titles all within a year of his debut. He had classic encounters with Chris Jericho, Triple H, The Rock, Chris Benoit, The Undertaker and Kane, proving he could work a variety of styles, against every major star of the time.

That he constantly evolved his in-ring work and took risks that he did not necessarily have to only endeared him to fans who appreciated his hybrid style. Such can be seen in his rivalry with Brock Lesnar, which included several matches that fused the high-impact, physical style with that of the story-heavy WWE in-ring style.

Over the course of six years, he developed into the world's best and most entertaining, setting the bar extremely high for his fellow Superstars.

A return in 2017 and a classic encounter alongside Ronda Rousey vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 34 only further cemented his case for recognition among the best to compete in a WWE ring.

A neck injury and some personal demons, including an addiction to prescription painkillers as documented in the WWE Legends series on A&E, led to a departure in 2006 that probably cost him a spot higher on this list.

Still, recognition from the B/R panel of Angle as the 11th greatest Superstar in company history is no small feat and evidence of the impact he had during his relatively brief run.

10. Hulk Hogan

Accomplishments: WWE champion (6), tag team champion (1), Royal Rumble winner (1990, 1991), Hall of Famer (2005, 2020 with the New World Order)

Professional wrestling as we know it today would not exist without Hulk Hogan.

On January 23, 1984, The Hulkster defeated The Iron Shiek to win his first of six WWE titles and set in motion a movement that would take professional wrestling out of the smokey arenas and into the mainstream.

Hogan led Vince McMahon's national expansion of the family's New York territory, entering households nationwide and becoming a larger-than-life hero for millions.

Saying his prayers, taking his vitamins, and hitting the gym, Hogan laid down the "demandments" for his Hulkamaniacs while battling the company's top heels, such as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, King Kong Bundy, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff and "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr., among others.

No opponent was more daunting or significant than the March 29, 1987 showdown with Andre the Giant in front of a reported 93,173 fans packed into the Pontiac Silverdome.

That contest and Hogan's win over the previously insurmountable giant catapulted him into a new stratosphere. The Hulkster, his star already transcending the industry as a recognizable star outside of the ring, became a bona-fide household name.

His epic rivalries with Andre, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, Earthquake and Sgt. Slaughter created moments that have withstood the test of time and solidified his place on a Mount Rushmore of both WWE and professional wrestling as a whole.

An eight-year absence, during which Hogan proved his star power as the leader of the New World Order in WCW, came to an end in 2002 when the former world champion returned to WWE and delivered an extraordinary performance against The Rock in one of the greatest examples of sports entertainment in company history at WrestleMania X-8.

A larger-than-life star whose ability to connect with the audience and get them to invest in him through his over-the-top performances between the ropes ensured his spot at the top of the card for an entire generation, he is still cited as the most recognizable pro wrestler ever.

So why is the most prominent star in company history, with a bevy of unforgettable angles and some of the most historically significant matches ever, ranked at 10 instead of much further up the list?

The answer is a two-parter, with one lying in controversy away from the ring that has forever tainted his reputation among fans.

The other lies in the rumors of Hogan's backstage political plays, many of which have been ingrained in the internet wrestling community's collective mind for so long that it has hurt The Hulkster in their eyes.

Perhaps it is one of those two or a combination of both. Whatever the reason may be, it is tough to deny Hogan's place in the history of WWE and his accomplishments, all of which have helped shape the company as the most prominent in wrestling.

9. 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper

Accomplishments: Intercontinental champion, tag team champion, Hall of Famer (2005)

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper ranking one slot ahead of Hogan on this list indicates how time and proper retrospect can elevate one's significance.

The Hulkster gets the majority of the credit for carrying WWE through the Rock 'n' Wrestling era and leading it into the inaugural WrestleMania, but that show and everything that occurred in the lead-in to it would not have been as successful or effective without Piper.

The consummate villain, he was a loudmouthed and braggadocious performer who talked trash to Hogan, made life a living hell for Mr. T and relished the boos of the fans. He even kicked pop star Cyndi Lauper, all while denouncing the relationship between WWE and MTV.

He was absolutely essential to building anticipation for the first WrestleMania and more importantly, driving audiences toward paying to see him shut up by the television star and world heavyweight champion.

While he was unsuccessful in that quest to defeat Mr. T and Hogan at WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Piper would emerge from the match a hotter star than he had ever been before.

Within two years, he would be so popular that WWE officials had no choice but to turn him babyface, a role he would never turn back from. Feuds with Adrian Adonis, Rick Rude and Ted DiBiase kept Piper busy in the ring while a stint on commentary allowed him to enter the homes of fans across the country.

In 1992, he would win his first and only individual title at the Royal Rumble, dethroning The Mountie in a moment that was equally emotional and joyous, as evidenced by the eruption from the crowd in attendance.

He held the gold until WrestleMania VIII, where he dropped it to Bret Hart in a match that proved he could work when motivated and challenged to do so.

Piper would pop up here and there over the years, continuing to entertain fans and remaining as popular as ever. His ability to strengthen an ongoing feud via a cameo as host of Piper's Pit proved useful to the company while his legendary stature enhanced any show on which he appeared.

Piper's pipebomb promo style can still be seen in Superstars such as CM Punk, whose ability to blur the line between fiction and reality on the mic makes The Second City Saint the modern equivalent to the often controversial Hall of Famer.

Does Piper belong a spot ahead of Hogan?

That likely depends on whether you believe a top-tier babyface can carry the promotion for a bigtime event or if they need the best heel in the business to help intensify a feud's heat to get fans to buy into the battle.

If it is option two, then yes, Piper does.

8. Shawn Michaels

Accomplishments: WWE champion (3), world heavyweight champion, intercontinental champion (3), European champion, tag team champion (6), Royal Rumble winner (1995, 1996), Hall of Famer (2011, 2019 as a member of D-Generation X)

Arguably the greatest big-match performer in pro wrestling history, Shawn Michaels had a knack for performing up to the moment.

Following a breakup from partner Marty Jannetty and the end of a partnership that saw The Rockers wow fans with their speed, agility and double-team offense, the newly dubbed Heartbreak Kid set out to prove he could thrive in singles competition.

Despite a lack of the size that had been such an integral part of the WWE package for so long, he did just that. He outworked the giants and with Bret "Hitman" Hart, would change the game in the industry's most prominent company by bringing workrate to the fore.

In 1994, he revolutionized the industry with Razor Ramon in the iconic ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania X. He followed it up a year later at SummerSlam 1995, this time defeating The Bad Guy in the sequel to their unforgettable original.

By the time 1996 rolled around, he was ready to ascend to the top of the industry and did that by outlasting Hart in just over an hour to win his first WWE title.

Not without controversy, typically involving his attitude both on and off screen, Michaels got away with more than most thanks to the incredibly high quality of his work. Encounters with British Bulldog, Vader, Mankind, Goldust and Syco Sid defined his main event run before a back injury forced him into early retirement following a WrestleMania XIV loss to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

Against all odds, Michaels would return to the ring and go on a run that legitimately challenged his original for overall quality. Smarter and with a greater focus on in-ring storytelling, he enjoyed a second lease on his career, wowing fans with classics against Triple H, Chris Jericho, The Undertaker, Randy Orton and John Cena.

His WrestleMania XXV classic against The Deadman remains one of the matches on the shortlist for greatest of all time, a testament to the otherworldly level on which he routinely performed.

Fully retired by 2010, Michaels currently oversees the NXT brand, where he is essential in building and molding the future of WWE as part of its developmental brand.

His influence can be seen in a new generation of performers who watched his greatest matches, learned from them and have adapted what he did so well into their own styles.

7. The Rock

Accomplishments: WWE champion (8), WCW champion (2), intercontinental champion (2), tag team champion (5), Royal Rumble winner (2000)

The Rock arrived in WWE with the weight of his family's legacy firmly on his shoulders.

Before he was The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment, he was young Rocky Maivia, the first third-generation star in the company's history and a "blue chip" athlete out of the University of Miami.

He faltered early in the face of lofty expectations as fans rejected the smiling babyface who was just happy to be there and not at all effective. At an early crossroads, he underwent a heel turn, joining the Nation of Domination and assuming the nickname of The Rock, a brash and arrogant young star looking for a showcase for himself.

Within months, he was cutting witty and clever heel promos laden with insults of his babyface opposition, earning the trust of management and the acceptance of the same audience that had previously turned on him.

He became so popular for his mic skills that he momentarily turned babyface in the Fall of 1998 before reverting back to his heel persona in time for his first WWE Championship victory at Survivor Series, where he was revealed to be Mr. McMahon's corporate champion.

Even that role proved too small for The Great One and by the following year, he was the hottest babyface in the company. The People's Champ, even.

Encounters with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Triple H, The Undertaker, Kane, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit helped him evolve his in-ring game along the way too, while unforgettable promos further strengthened his connection with the audience.

In 2002, as Hollywood came calling for the first time and Rock appeared to be poised to launch himself into the world of acting, he wrestled what may be the most iconic match of his career, against Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania X-8.

A titanic clash of generational talents and top babyface stars, it was a brilliant display of crowd manipulation between two virtuoso performers, ultimately won by The Great One.

There will be some who attempt to discredit The Rock's placement this high on the list out of some incessant need to remind us that he left the industry and did not come back for a decade, but it is an argument that does not hold up.

He did come back, working with John Cena in a three-year story arc that covered three WrestleManias and ended with him putting his rival over clean in their finale in 2013.

Back once again, this time as the heel Final Boss in a rivalry with Cody Rhodes, Rock continues to prove an ability to adapt from popular babyface to despised heel, as witnessed in 2003, when his "Hollywood Rock" persona captivated fans and led to some of his greatest work.

Every bit as electrifying as he says he is, Rock can captivate an audience like no other and take them on a ride, both verbally and physically, that few others have been able to match.

How his latest program finishes, and if it ultimately makes Rhodes the undisputed top star in the industry or not, could determine whether he ranks further up the list in future revisits to this countdown.

6. Bruno Sammartino

Accomplishments: WWE champion (2), tag team champion (3), Hall of Famer (2013)

Bruno Sammartino was more than a professional wrestler to the fans of Vincent J. McMahon's New York territory.

The Living Legend was so much more; a cultural hero to fans rich in their Italian heritage and a WWE champion who lived the part. With great power came great responsibility for the future Hall of Famer, who would enjoy a first run with the title that stretched a record seven years, eight months and one day.

So beloved was Sammartino that when he finally did drop the title to the hated Russian, Ivan Koloff, fans in Madison Square Garden openly wept. They mourned the title reign of their beloved hero, believing they may never live to see the day when he was not champion.

He was more to them than a pro wrestling champion. He was a superhero, a competitor whose connection with the audience transcended the industry. They lived with him through his biggest matches and title defenses. To see him lose the belt felt wrong and improbable.

Sammartino would regain the gold and go on another three-plus year run as champion, again forging a bond between himself and the fans who watched enthusiastically as he successfully defended his title.

Though the second reign would come to an end at the hands of "Superstar" Billy Graham, there was no denying the role that Sammartino had in helping to cement New York and the then-World Wide Wrestling Federation as one of the preeminent territories in the business.

A bitter falling out between Sammartino and Vincent K. McMahon led to his departure and divorce from WWE in the 1980s. In 2013, the two sides made up, leading to the man synonymous with so many Madison Square Garden attendance records being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the same arena.

Not as flashy as others in this portion of the list, he never had to be. Sammartino was himself and the fans loved him for it, forging a bond that remains unbreakable today.

He set the standard for the lead babyface around whom everything revolves, a frequent booking trope the younger McMahon would utilize throughout his time at the helm of WWE creative, and he earns his spot in this top 10 as a result.

5. John Cena

Accomplishments: WWE champion (13), world heavyweight champion (3), United States champion (5), tag team champion (4), Money in the Bank winner (2012), Royal Rumble winner (2008, 2013)

John Cena took the ball from Attitude Era giants like Steve Austin and The Rock and carried it into the next era of marquee stars in WWE, becoming the face of the company's Ruthless Aggression and PG eras.

His success did not come without hurdles, though.

Arriving on the main roster in 2002, Cena made a huge splash out of the gate by citing ruthless aggression as the driving force behind his decision to challenge Kurt Angle in his first appearance. An underdeveloped character, however, had him on the verge of being released from the company until a fateful overseas trip, during which he was discovered rapping on tour buses.

Cue The Doctor of Thuganomics.

Cena debuted his rapping persona on the Halloween episode of SmackDown in October 2002 and gradually won fans over, thanks to his ability to spit bars with witty insults, usually aimed at his opponent. He became so over that management had no choice but to turn him babyface.

He would never look back or go heel again.

Cena won his first WWE Championship in 2005 at WrestleMania 21, defeating JBL. From there, he would gradually drop the rapping elements of his character and become a more traditional white bread babyface, a decision that did not sit well with audiences.

Pushed hard and fast as the new face of the company, a hero to children amid a turn to more family-friendly programming, he was greeted with boos in arenas all over the world. Most took exception with how he was forced upon them, a character they were neither interested in nor had any desire to see defend his title.

It would be part of the push-and-pull relationship between Cena, WWE and the fans. "Cena sucks" chants were the norm as he defended against Edge, Rob Van Dam, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and more throughout his incredible decade-plus on top of the company.

His in-ring performance, once rigid and stiff, improved with every outing as he learned from every one of his opponents. Perhaps his greatest strength, though, was his willingness to adapt to the style of the day.

As his career pushed on, he found himself squaring off with a generation of stars who made names for themselves as indie stars. CM Punk, Kevin Owens, AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, and Daniel Bryan are a few of the competitors who favored a higher-impact, more athletic style accentuated with high drama based on close near-falls.

Rather than demanding that they convert their styles to match his, Cena adapted, He worked those styles against those competitors, likely recognizing that the business was trending that way but more importantly, with the idea that his opponents would thrive and form the foundation of WWE's future, carrying things long after he was gone from active competition.

And they did.

Cena's legacy is as much in what he did to help the transition from one era to the next, and elevating stars along the way, as it was the record-tying 16 world titles and decade-plus run at the top of the company.

A performer who is more respected now than he was during his actual run, Cena is a guy whose legacy could prove to get only stronger over the next 10 to 15 years as fans gain a greater appreciation for a performer who weathered the storm and still managed to have a career that rivals any other.

4. The Undertaker

Accomplishments: WWE champion (4), world heavyweight champion (3), hardcore champion, tag team champion (6), WCW tag team champion, Royal Rumble winner (2007), Hall of Famer (2022)

The Undertaker is the greatest character in WWE history, bar none.

Even if he never had the classic matches or won the WWE Championship, The Phenom would be able to confidently lay claim to that title, thanks in large part to his commitment to and understanding of it.

Arriving in WWE in November 1990 at Survivor Series, he instantly captivated fans with his slow and methodical walk, his piercing eyes and an in-ring style that could be considered zombie-like. He was cold, calculating and punishing, and the fans ate it up.

So much so that within a year of his debut, he defeated Hulk Hogan to win his first WWE title.

More than championships won, though, it was The Deadman's epic rivalries and showmanship that helped him connect with audiences and remain a marquee attraction for the company as long as he was.

The sibling rivalry with long-lost brother Kane, a showdown with his doppelganger imposter at the 1994 SummerSlam, and supernatural angles set him apart from his fellow Superstars. As he evolved, including a stint as The American Badass, the focus turned to his ability to have great, physical matches with the biggest stars in the company.

Enter, Mankind, with whom Undertaker had some of his most defining contests, including the infamous Hell in a Cell match at the 1998 King of the Ring.

By the mid-2000s, he had undergone a change to his in-ring approach, adopting elements of MMA as he sought to prove himself as a worker. The results saw great matches with Kurt Angle, Triple H, Batista and one of the best matches of all time against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI.

It was on the grandest stage that Undertaker excelled, running up a 21-0 undefeated streak before a shocking outcome saw him lose to Brock Lesnar in 2014.

The Deadman would stick around longer than he probably should, chasing a suitable retirement match amid injuries and general fatigue, but he finally got the classic he was looking for in 2020 against AJ Styles at WrestleMania XXXVI.

Not even a worldwide pandemic could keep him from turning in an outstanding display with The Phenomenal One. The Boneyard match, a cinematic masterpiece filmed under different conditions than a typical bout, would serve as the last in a career full of iconic matches and moments.

A force of nature whose longevity and loyalty defined him, Undertaker is another one of the stars in this top 10 who easily could have been No. 1, a testament to the strength of this fifth of the list.

3. 'Macho Man' Randy Savage

Accomplishments: WWE champion (2), intercontinental champion, Hall of Famer (2015)

Freak out, freak out, it's the Macho Man at No. 3!

Randy Savage is one of the most enduring Superstars in WWE history, as much for his contributions to some of its most unforgettable storylines as his superb in-ring performances.

The second-generation star arrived in WWE seeking a manager to help guide him to the top and immediately made a splash by revealing that he had not chosen Freddie Blassie or Bobby Heenan or even Oliver Humperdink but rather his real-life wife, Miss Elizabeth.

Together, they captured the imagination of the WWE fans, beginning with Savage's victory over Tito Santana for the Intercontinental Championship. A feud with George "The Animal" Steele over his infatuation with Elizabeth preceded a program with the great Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. Those two stories combined by WrestleMania III and resulted in one of the greatest matches ever wrestled between Savage and Steamboat, won by the latter.

Savage was an engaging promo and undeniably cool, endearing him to fans and, by late 1987, turned babyface to capitalize on the popularity. Within months, he was tapped to win the WWE Championship in the conclusion of a massive WrestleMania IV tournament.

The iconic Mega Powers storyline was up next for the flashy competitor, who took exception to what he believed was lust in the eyes of Hulk Hogan for Elizabeth and within a year of forming a team with him, split from The Hulkster, leading to an unforgettable main event at WrestleMania V.

Intensely personal rivalries with Dusty Rhodes, The Ultimate Warrior, Ric Flair and Jake "The Snake" Roberts would define his career and further endear him to fans who appreciated his athleticism but fell in love with him because of the emotional intensity he brought to storylines.

Savage's career with the company would come to an end in 1994 when his desire to be more than a commentator, and WCW's big-money contract offer, pried him away from the company that made him a household name.

A pop-culture phenomenon whose likeness was all over Slim Jim promotion materials, and still is today, Savage transcended wrestling as one of its largest personalities, becoming a star the likes of which few could have imagined when the smaller-than-average competitor first arrived in WWE.

That his work in those aforementioned storylines was as good as it was, ensuring their timelessness, certainly helped elevate him to the No. 3 spot on this list.

His ability to weave them into his excellent in-ring performance only confirmed he belonged there.

2. 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin

Accomplishments: WWE champion (6), intercontinental champion (2), tag team champion (2), King of the Ring (1996), Hall of Famer (2009)

Without "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, WWE likely loses the Monday Night War to WCW, and who knows what the landscape of professional wrestling would look like today.

The Texas Rattlesnake injected a bland WWE product with the attitude necessary to forge a comeback and defeat the competition during the much-discussed Monday Night Wars. He was a rebel; an anti-authority badass who drank beer, flipped middle fingers, scoffed at orders and dropped opposers with Stone Cold Stunners.

He was irreverent, and fans in the late 1990s loved it.

Austin was the working-class hero whose rise to stardom began with an off-the-cuff line in his 1996 King of the Ring promo referencing "Austin 3:16." A T-shirt was born, as was a catchphrase, and he never looked back.

Though he would be plagued by a neck injury suffered during a match with Owen Hart at SummerSlam 1997, Austin rose through the ranks before beating Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XIV, in a match featuring Mike Tyson as special enforcer, and embarking on a main event run that would do historic business for the company.

The iconic rivalry with the evil, megalomaniacal owner of the company, Mr. McMahon, grabbed the attention of the fans while matches with The Rock, Mick Foley, Undertaker, Kane, Big Show and Kurt Angle defined his in-ring legacy.

So popular was Austin that not even an ill-fated heel turn and alliance with McMahon could make the fans truly boo him. And within six or so months of that decision, he was back as the company's beloved antihero.

Mainstream media opportunities, a role in CBS hit Nash Bridges, and even a famous "Got Milk?" ad served as Austin's crossover to popular culture, all the while shirts emblazoned with his image or slogans sold out in arenas and malls around the world.

An enormous star who carried pro wrestling back to the forefront of the mainstream, Austin was the antihero we needed and deserved. His work with his fellow all-time greats only further solidified his position in the top 10 of this list.

In fact, the idea that he is not No. 1 will likely stir up controversy.

Historic business, TV ratings the likes of which we have never seen before, his unforgettable series of matches with The Rock, and championship reigns that featured matches against fellow top stars, are all enough to earn him that spot.

1. Bret 'Hitman' Hart

Accomplishments: WWE champion (5), intercontinental champion (2), tag team champion (2), King of the Ring (1993), Royal Rumble winner (1994 with Lex Luger), Hall of Famer (2005, 2019 with The Hart Foundation)

Bret Hart's legacy is that of, arguably, the greatest in-ring performer of all time.

A master technician who executed excellently and brought an entirely different style to WWE than anything it or its fans were used to, he was a proud pro wrestler in an era of cartoonish characters, body guys and larger-than-life icons.

The Hitman began his career as a tag team specialist, teaming with Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart to strike gold twice. By 1991, though, he was ready to prove himself as a singles star, which he did by defeating Mr. Perfect in an instant classic to win the title at the 1991 SummerSlam pay-per-view.

He would spend the next year earning the trust of Vince McMahon and the love of the fans, leading to an improbable victory over Ric Flair for the WWE Championship in October 1992.

Smaller than his peers, Hart won fans over with the realism of his work. His work looked real, he carried himself like a champion, and the fans bought into him. More so than his boss did, though.

Hart won five WWE titles throughout his run as a main event singles star, but almost always faced an uphill battle from a booking perspective as McMahon always seemed to find a flashier new toy to put the title on at the expense of The Hitman.

Hart's connection with fans could not be denied, though, and he repeatedly found himself back at the top of the company, holding its most coveted prize.

Epic encounters with Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, Perfect, Flair, The Undertaker and Steve Austin make up one of the greatest match catalogs ever.

The significance of the Michaels match at WrestleMania XII, which made a legitimate star out of HBK, cannot be denied. The Austin bout a year later resulted in a double-turn for the two competitors and skyrocketed The Texas Rattlesnake into the stratosphere.

Hart made every wrestler he faced better, either as a worker or from a credibility standpoint. He raised the stock of every one of his opponents and laid the foundation for the more workrate-heavy product we would see over the two decades since he left amid the controversy of the Montreal Screwjob.

His influence as a worker is seen today in numerous others, not least of which is CM Punk, who has made his fandom and respect for The Hitman clear over the years.

That he was able to change the game from an in-ring perspective and have such an impact on legitimizing Austin, who would go on to become the biggest star in the industry after working with him, is more than enough reason for Hart to earn this No. 1 spot.

That his work is evergreen, always relevant and never out of style only furthers the idea that he is exactly what he spent his career saying he was: The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.